5 Commanders players who cannot afford to regress in Week 2 vs. NY Giants

Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB

It was a promising debut for veteran running back Austin Ekeler. The Washington Commanders didn't utilize the player much in the run game. However, his performance as a pass-catcher out of the backfield left reasons for encouragement.

Ekeler didn't look to have lost any of his dynamic route-running or elusiveness in a different environment. Jayden Daniels trusted him with check-downs and he took advantage of it to the tune of 52 receiving yards from four receptions. This sets the standard. Keeping it up is pivotal to smooth his quarterback's rookie transition.

The wide receivers didn't offer much, so feeding Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. might be the recipe moving forward. Washington needs to keep defenses honest, which is exactly what the New York Giants will be anticipating this weekend. The former undrafted free agent must maintain the same standards and provide Daniels with a security blanket when things aren't developing downfield as expected.

Ekeler is more than capable of this. If he can put together the same numbers and perhaps get himself into the end zone along the way, that'll be a huge help for the Commanders in pursuit of victory.

Zach Ertz - Commanders TE

Jayden Daniels did well enough on his NFL regular-season debut. He did get out on the move when the first read wasn't there more often than the coaching staff probably wanted, so standing firm in the pocket and trusting in his offensive lineman would be a good step forward in Week 2 against the New York Giants.

As previously stated, the Giants' defensive front is a potentially productive unit. They didn't showcase this on opening day versus the Minnesota Vikings, but they'll be smelling blood in this one. Daniels must get the football out quickly and on time, which makes Zach Ertz's contribution critical.

Ertz was brought in to provide stability after Logan Thomas' release and mentorship to second-round pick Ben Sinnott. He displayed assured hands in tight windows in Week 1, bringing in three receptions from four targets for 28 receiving yards. The veteran tight end has lost some explosiveness, but his savviness can be an asset in the passing game.

Daniels might not get time to trigger the launch codes downfield if marquee offseason acquisition Brian Burns and former first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux have anything to say about it. That's why keeping the chains moving over short-to-intermediate routes with players like Ertz is the smart approach.

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